Looking at a 2003
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Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Ohio
Welcome to FTE fordman49 
If you read through the Tech Folder and some of the threads most of the problems with the engine is EGR related and head bolts stretching. 2003 was the first year production for the 6.0L to meet EPA restrictions. I have an 03 and love it, EGR is deleted along with head studs installed. If you use the truck with factory programming, cleaning the EGR and turbo are common requirements to keep the engine in top condition.
Front end wear is normal, when inspecting a used truck that displays high miles, pay close attention to upper - lower ball joints, end play in tie rods and wear to suspension bushings. The Dealer may be able to provide you with a brief history through an Oasis report although the Dealer is not obligated to do so
If you read through the Tech Folder and some of the threads most of the problems with the engine is EGR related and head bolts stretching. 2003 was the first year production for the 6.0L to meet EPA restrictions. I have an 03 and love it, EGR is deleted along with head studs installed. If you use the truck with factory programming, cleaning the EGR and turbo are common requirements to keep the engine in top condition.Front end wear is normal, when inspecting a used truck that displays high miles, pay close attention to upper - lower ball joints, end play in tie rods and wear to suspension bushings. The Dealer may be able to provide you with a brief history through an Oasis report although the Dealer is not obligated to do so
Junior User
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 64
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From: Stafford Va
I have a early built 03, which has been lift since 05. Only did ball joints and thats it on my truck minus the things I blew up on my truck cause of what I have done to it hehehehe. Other then that just like said above do the oasis report and see the history of the vehicle is good or bad.
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New User
Joined: Nov 2009
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So whats the deal with the stretching bolts? why do the head bolts stretch? Does the engine get hot? I am a mechanic here in my home town and I have done some light diesel work but mostly gasoline engines. Stuff like this is good to know please explain? Thanks
Junior User
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Stafford Va
Then head bolts on a stock 6.0 are weak to begin with, when you start adding more boost, and timing raising compression the studs then to stretch over time, causing the head gaskets to fail, also the heads can become warpped as well.
When they do stretch what happens is that where ever the gasket fails coolant ends up into your cylinders which can cause the white smoke and smell coming from the exhaust. Also with the head gaskets fail when pressure is built up and it send it backwards through the cooling system which sometimes show signs in the degas bottle puking. Best way to find this out is hooking a meter and seeing if your getting those gases in the degas bottle.
Doing an EGR delete kit with help eliminate the problem, with an EGR system still active in the truck the exhaust is used to heat the coolant up when it passes through the egr now then raises coolant temps. With you deleting it, you eliminate that aspect in the equation so the coolant isnt heated by the exhaust anymore and will save you time from it blowing up and causing other issues to your truck which could be oil in the coolant and vise versa. This will keep the egr from failing in the future. That should cover most of it.
When they do stretch what happens is that where ever the gasket fails coolant ends up into your cylinders which can cause the white smoke and smell coming from the exhaust. Also with the head gaskets fail when pressure is built up and it send it backwards through the cooling system which sometimes show signs in the degas bottle puking. Best way to find this out is hooking a meter and seeing if your getting those gases in the degas bottle.
Doing an EGR delete kit with help eliminate the problem, with an EGR system still active in the truck the exhaust is used to heat the coolant up when it passes through the egr now then raises coolant temps. With you deleting it, you eliminate that aspect in the equation so the coolant isnt heated by the exhaust anymore and will save you time from it blowing up and causing other issues to your truck which could be oil in the coolant and vise versa. This will keep the egr from failing in the future. That should cover most of it.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,604
Likes: 4
From: Claremore, OK
When they do stretch what happens is that where ever the gasket fails coolant ends up into your cylinders which can cause the white smoke and smell coming from the exhaust. Also with the head gaskets fail when pressure is built up and it send it backwards through the cooling system which sometimes show signs in the degas bottle puking. Best way to find this out is hooking a meter and seeing if your getting those gases in the degas bottle.
Doing an EGR delete kit with help eliminate the problem, with an EGR system still active in the truck the exhaust is used to heat the coolant up when it passes through the egr now then raises coolant temps. With you deleting it, you eliminate that aspect in the equation so the coolant isnt heated by the exhaust anymore and will save you time from it blowing up and causing other issues to your truck which could be oil in the coolant and vise versa. This will keep the egr from failing in the future. That should cover most of it.
Doing an EGR delete kit with help eliminate the problem, with an EGR system still active in the truck the exhaust is used to heat the coolant up when it passes through the egr now then raises coolant temps. With you deleting it, you eliminate that aspect in the equation so the coolant isnt heated by the exhaust anymore and will save you time from it blowing up and causing other issues to your truck which could be oil in the coolant and vise versa. This will keep the egr from failing in the future. That should cover most of it.
On a related note...and it can't be stressed enough; routine/preventative maintence is a must for the 6.0L. Use the right filters...not "will fit" and do it on time. Skip out on it and you'll suffer the wrath of the "Combine Demon"...almost as bad as the scorn of a woman.
Junior User
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 64
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From: Stafford Va
Good catch sorry, working on to many forums at once and was thinking of a different discussion, but yes your right. Thanks for the catch.
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New User
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If I was to get this truck is the EGR delete kit something that I should? Is it something that will make the truck breath better? What I mean is it something that I would need to do right a way? The truck is a 03 King ranch F-350 it has 119k on it and I know both guys that owned the truck so it ben well taken care of. Deal is that the guy has to many trucks and he cant drive them all. Dude told me that he would sell it to me for 10 grand so thats why I am asking question.
Thanks for all the info
Hector
Thanks for all the info
Hector
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Claremore, OK
If I was to get this truck is the EGR delete kit something that I should? Is it something that will make the truck breath better? What I mean is it something that I would need to do right a way? The truck is a 03 King ranch F-350 it has 119k on it and I know both guys that owned the truck so it ben well taken care of. Deal is that the guy has to many trucks and he cant drive them all. Dude told me that he would sell it to me for 10 grand so thats why I am asking question.
Thanks for all the info
Hector
Thanks for all the info
Hector
YouTube - powerstrokehelp's Channel
You don't have to delete the EGR, run an aftermarket tune and open the exhaust up...they will live a long time in OEM spec.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2001
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I have a 03 F-450 and I have had to do the turbo from coking up since then its been good. I had Ford install a reman turbo it was the only way to go.
Keep in mind the trucks before the ultra low sulphur fuel had carbon problems so you have to clean up the carbon problems then from now on it shouldn't be such a problem. The fuel doesn't burn as dirty as past diesel fuel.
Make sure the truck has all the updates and flashes done.
Keep in mind the trucks before the ultra low sulphur fuel had carbon problems so you have to clean up the carbon problems then from now on it shouldn't be such a problem. The fuel doesn't burn as dirty as past diesel fuel.
Make sure the truck has all the updates and flashes done.
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New User
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Hey guys is There any upgrades that i can do to it for more power with out causeing any problems? I'd like get some power out of it but don't want to have any problems with headbolts. I was thinking about mabe a high flow exhast or a better air cooler. I think I am convenced about getting this truck. Do y'all have any advice on that?
Hector
Hector
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Joined: Apr 2008
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From: Green Lane, Pa.
I would not worry about more power, the truck has enought to do what it was made for. I would take no ones word on what was serviced and when. Expect to change everything, coolant, oil, fuel filters, rear gear oil, transfer case oil, transmission flush and new external filter for your piece of mind. This should set you back several hundred, and it's throwing good money at the truck.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,604
Likes: 4
From: Claremore, OK
Hey guys is There any upgrades that i can do to it for more power with out causeing any problems? I'd like get some power out of it but don't want to have any problems with headbolts. I was thinking about mabe a high flow exhast or a better air cooler. I think I am convenced about getting this truck. Do y'all have any advice on that?
Hector
Hector